Old Jail Farmers Market back in action downtown

By Guest Columnist Joy Foy

The 2023 season of the Old Jail Farmers Market got off to a fun start with plenty of green and ripe tomatoes, watermelons, cucumbers, squash, cabbage, potatoes, numerous baked and canned goods, and an assortment of food.  The day was hot, but there were fans blowing, and the energy of neighbors visiting made it an enjoyable afternoon.  

It was great to have Lise, Katy and Josey Foy in Canton to sell blackberry jam and bread.  Erica Cornelius with Jubilee Home Bakery was back, offering her delicious cookies and sweets again.  Mary Jane Boutwell and Beth Cox have local honey, and Doug Upton is back with peanuts and sweet potatoes.  Local craftsmen and tomato salsa chefs Jimmy and Monica Belote were in their same spot as last year. Those shopping for flowers were delighted by the fresh bouquets from Twelve2 Farm and Andre Hines’ selection of potted plants, as well.  

The first market boasted two new vendors, and we hope to add many more this summer!  Benton Moseley with Moseley Meadows brought an abundance of farm-fresh vegetables, and Jerry Wade rolled in with locally-grown and processed beef from the Jerry Wade Cattle Company.  Misty Slay and Joy Foy offered produce from their gardens and ice cold drinks. 

Customers came hungry, but didn’t leave that way, thanks to Lakesha with Inez’s Heavenly Treats providing her steaming hot tamales.  Patrick Kincaid also came ready to fill bellies with Philly cheese steaks fresh off the grill and to fill your counter with beautiful vegetables from his garden.

The Madison County Library’s Bookmobile was present, and Evanne and Naomi brought the fun with yard games and plenty of good books!   Our local Master Gardener, John Malanchak, was also back with a wealth of knowledge, educational materials, and a desire to help with troublesome plants.  

The Old Jail Farmers Market Committee would love to offer an assortment of entertainment at the market for all ages.  If your church group or any local talent would be interested in performing, there is a sound system and a microphone on-site.  Some of the community-provided entertainment on the slate is a fire truck for everyone to explore with the Canton firemen, inflatable water slides, and farm animals. 

Neighbors and friends, please join us at the Old Jail from 4 to 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays, June through September, and enjoy the fun of the Farmers Market.  This is a great opportunity to support our local growers, bakers and artisans, and it’s a perfect avenue for building a stronger, lively community.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Joy Foy is married to James Foy and is a retired Economic Developer with the Mississippi Development Authority. Foy is an active participant in the community of Canton. She is a member of the Canton Lions Club, the Keep Canton Beautiful Committee and the Canton Beautification Committee.